PALACE ON WHEELS
A cultural tour of India

India is a remarkable country and our Palace on Wheels tour is one of the best ways to experience it. We relive a nostalgic era in Indian history going back to the days of extravagance and luxury when the Maharajahs traveled in style. We follow their route and see many palaces and forts while traveling on our air-conditioned luxury coaches. Each coach consists of just four cabins with double / twin beds, attached washrooms, running hot and cold water, built in wardrobes, plush decor, music and personal attendants ready to pamper us as they used to pamper the Maharajahs.

Tour Summary	Map
Day Place 01-02 Delhi 03 Delhi / Jaipur 04 Jaipur / Jaisalmer 05 Jaisalmer / Jodhpur 06 Jodhpur / Ranthambore 07 Ranthambhore / Chittaurgarh 08 Udaipur / Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary 09 Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary / Agra 10 Delhi 11 Delhi / Departure

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to New Delhi, the hustling and bustling capital of India. We are greeted in the traditional manner and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Taj Palace (2 nights) (D)

Day 02: Delhi
Our full day tour of Delhi starts with New Delhi, visiting India Gate, the House of Parliament, Connaught Place and Qutub Minar, a perfect minaret towering 102 metres / 112 into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of colonial and modern architecture with wide boulevards and open areas. This afternoon we go back into history with a tour of Old Delhi beginning with the Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. We also visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, and Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end the day with a visit to Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. (B, D)

Day 03: Delhi / Jaipur (Palace on Wheels)
Morning at leisure. Our "Palace on Wheels" experience starts with a transfer to the railway station in time for a lovely dinner on board. The whistle sounds and for the next 8 days we will ride the rails in luxurious style. We settle into a lavishly decorated coach, still emblazoned with the crest of the royal family to which it once belonged. This is a sublime atmosphere, a delightful treat for both body and mind.
Overnight: Aboard the Palace on Wheels train (7 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 04: Jaipur / Jaisalmer
We arrive in Jaipur, the beautiful rose pink capital of Rajasthan. Our first land tour starts with a visit to Amber Palace, a distinguished specimen of Rajput architecture on a hill 12km / 7miles from Jaipur. After ascending the hill on elephant back, arriving in proper style for the 17th century when the palace was built, we are rewarded with splendid views of the lake below. Lunch at Rambagh Palace Hotel. Our afternoon tour of Jaipur is of the historical astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh who founded the city. Next we visit the Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art, followed by the bazaar where we will have the opportunity to sharpen our bargaining skills. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone and one of the most beautiful of them is the Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to view the city from behind the intricately carved facade. We enjoy tea and dinner at Man Singh Hotel after which we board our "Palace on Wheels" and head for Jaisalmer (B, L, D)

Day 05: Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
We arrive Jaisalmer in time for a tour of the Thar Desert and the ancient capital of the Yadavas, where people still live in buildings that date back to the 12th century. Each of these buildings is a monument to the skills and creativity of the Rajasthani craftsmen of medieval times with their exquisite carvings and filigree work. Jaisalmer houses magnificent forts, palaces, temples and elegant faced havelis with carvings in yellow stone. The impact of early morning and late evening light bathes Jaisalmer in a radiant effect giving this city an ethereal beauty. Afternoon, at leisure. A camel ride at sunset as the sky is set on fire and Rajasthani folk musicians play haunting tunes will be an unforgettable experience. Dinner at Moomal Bungalow. Tonight we rest in opulence as our train wheels us off to Jodhpur (B, L, D)

Day 06: Jodhpur / Ranthambore
We notice the magnificence of Jodhpur as we arrive at the railways station located in the heart of the city. Jodhpur stands on a range of sandstone hills surrounded by a fortified wall nearly 10kms / 6 miles in length, with seven gates. Dominating the city is the massive fortress, safeguarding the royal palaces with their collections of arms and priceless jewels. Lunch at Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel. This afternoon we take in Jodhpur. This evening we leave for Ranthambore. (B, L, D)

Day 07: Ranthambhore / Chittaurgarh / Udaipur
Early morning arrival and we are transferred by motor coach for a safari in Ranthambhor National Park. This Project Tiger Reserve surrounds the imposing ramparts of the 10th century fort. Late morning we depart for Chittaurgarh and upon arrival we visit the Chittaurgarh Fort lauded in legends of valour and chivalry. Late evening our train whistles off for Udaipur. (B, L, D)


Day 08: Udaipur / Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
What good timing! We arrive in time for a boat cruise providing us an interesting and unique way to discover the beautiful city of Udaipur. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola, the white palaces and buildings of Udaipur seem like a fairy tale. We lunch in true Maharajah style at The Palace. The Palace is located at the centre of the lake and was once an actual Palace. The city palace boasts a maze of intricate courtyards, patios and balconies, complete with tile and mirror inlay work. Dinner is another interesting feast at the Shivniwas Palace (B, L, D)

Day 09: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary / Agra
Morning, we head off for the Bharatpur Sanctuary. As dawn breaks our slow moving boat works its way through the water right up to the low trees where the birds congregate. From September to November the lake itself is the most notable breeding centre of thousands of indigenous water birds of over a dozen different species. The rarest of these exotic visitors, the Siberian crane comes to Bharatpur in small numbers, winters here exclusively. After an interesting visit of Bharatpur we drive to Fatehpur Sikri. Erected by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, this red sand stone city was soon deserted due to a shortage of water. The climax of the day is of course Agra and our visit to the most photographed building in the world - the Taj Mahal. The legendary Taj Mahal, an eternally enchanting monument of love that has inspired poets and painters alike through the ages, stands in all its pristine beauty. Tonight we spend our last night on the Palace on Wheels as we head to Delhi. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi we are cordially welcomed and transferred to our hotel. The balance of the day is free to unwind and enjoy the bazaars and the many, many monuments the city offers.
Overnight: Hotel Taj Palace (1 night) (B, D)

Day 11: Delhi / departure
All good things come to an end. After what will have been a holiday in royal style, we are transferred to the airport for our flight. (B)

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Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Please call for details 1.800.663.0844 or +1.604.264.7378

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotel Accommodation International Airfares to and from destinations Domestic Airfares Airport Taxes Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Travel Insurance Entrance Fees to museums and other sites Visa Fees Porterage   Local guides at each destination

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Please call for details 1.800.663.0844 or +1.604.264.7378 NOTE: Prices are based upon a minimum of two (02) persons travelling together. 1/2 price for children 5-12 years old. Please also note: There is 15% surcharge for departures which span Christmas or New Year.

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1600 USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1400 USA - East Coast US $ 1200

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 30 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.